Kisoryo Represents Bruins at Third NAIA Marathon Classic

DALLAS, Texas -- As he did last December, Griffin Kipchumba Kisoryo represented the Bruins over the full 26.2-mile marathon distance at the third edition of the NAIA Marathon Classic. This year, the marathon host was the BMW Dallas Marathon, a growing event that drew over 30,000 runners across three days.

Kisoryo and the nearly 4,000 runners who finished Sunday's marathon were greeted by unseasonably cold conditions, with race-time temperatures in the mid-thirties and a strong north wind. Runners were buffeted along the four-mile stretch between miles nine and thirteen on the west side of White Rock Lake, slowing paces considerably. Kisoryo completed the course in 2:46:43, just over two minutes off his performance at last year's Classic. He placed 30th among 47 male finishers in the NAIA division and 55th of the 4,144 marathon finishers. Forty-eight NAIA women finished the race.

The top female NAIA runner was also the overall female marathoner as Alauna Carstens of Evergreen State took the top podium spot running 2:53:53. This was her second NAIA Marathon Classic victory after finishing in fourth place at November's NAIA Cross Country Championship, just ahead of the Bruin's Grace Steinmetz. The women of Embry-Riddle captured the three-runner women's team title. Indiana University East, led by Cameron Nocton's 2:27:27, swept the top four individual places to pace the men's team champions.

Head Coach Craig Christians: "The weather for a marathon is the big factor that we can't control, and unfortunately, today's was less than ideal. Runners spend so much energy just staying warm…there were a lot of struggling and shivering runners at the finish line. Griffin definitely felt that and actually spent some time in the med tent after the run but I think we were satisfied with his effort today. Every marathon is a learning experience, and hopefully he takes away something that helps in his next effort."
Speaking as a member of the marathon committee, Christians said, "Dallas welcomed us with open arms and treated our athletes like royalty. They were so excited to host us and have already invited us back for next year. The event was a great success."